Samsung Electronics Surges Over 7% After Confirming Record AI-Driven Profit

Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) stock jumped 7.1% to ₩223,250 on Thursday after the company released its full second-quarter 2026 earnings, confirming a record operating profit fueled by the artificial intelligence boom.

Record Earnings Driven by AI

The world's largest memory chip manufacturer reported a record operating profit of ₩89.4 trillion for Q2 2026. This figure represents a roughly 19-fold increase compared to the same period a year prior and came in above the analyst consensus of approximately ₩85 trillion, according to Investing.com. The result, which matched Samsung's preliminary estimate, was driven by what the company described as relentless demand for AI memory chips.

The positive sentiment in the semiconductor sector was reinforced by peer SK Hynix, which also reported record quarterly results, underscoring the strength of the broader AI hardware market.

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Rebound From Market Rout

The strong earnings provided a significant relief catalyst for investors after a turbulent period for South Korean equities. Samsung's stock had fallen nearly 10% on July 29 alone amid a wave of forced liquidations linked to leveraged positions that roiled the wider market.

Thursday's gains came as the broader KOSPI index stabilized after suffering historic back-to-back declines of roughly 11% and 6% in the preceding two sessions. The selloff had pushed the index below 5,700 for the first time in months, creating deeply oversold conditions that amplified the magnitude of Samsung's rebound. Foreign investors and institutions were reportedly net buyers during the session, providing support to the market.